Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences, May 13, 2023
An Experiment was conducted from December, 2021 to April, 2022 in an open field of the Teaching a... more An Experiment was conducted from December, 2021 to April, 2022 in an open field of the Teaching and Research Farm of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campused to evaluate the efficacy of botanical insecticides in the control of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) Leucinodes orbonalis Guenne), Four week-old eggplant seedlings (ARJANI FI) were transplanted to bags filled with 30kg top soil, each. There were nine insecticide treatments (T 0 = Control (No insecticide), T 1 = Scent leaf extract (SLE 10% w/v), T 2 = Pawpaw leaf extract (PLE 10% w/v), T 3 = Neem leaf extract (NLE 5% w/v), T 4 = Neem oil (N.O 3% v/v), T 5 = Neem oil (N.O 5% v/v), T 6 = Garlic bulb extract (GBE 3% v/v), T 7 = Emamectin Benzoate (EB 1.33g/L) and T 8 = Neemsol (0.2% v/v). Plants were sprayed three times: four weeks after transplanting (4WAT), 6WAT and 8WAT. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared at 5% probability level using Student-Newman-Keuls Test. The results obtained showed that the insecticide treated plants significantly (P< 0.05) had lower percentage of fruit and shoot infestation by EFSB relative to the untreated plants. The unsprayed plant significantly (P< 0.05) had the highest percentage of Fruit infestation by both number and weight basis. Fruits from the untreated plants had significantly (P< 0.05) more number of bored holes and larvae than the insecticide treated plants. Among the insecticide treatments, EB and N.O 5% had plants with significantly lower shoot infestation (10.42 and 12.50%), fruit infestation by weight (17.07 and 25.60%), number of larvae/fruit (0.33 and 1.00), respectively. The botanicals tested in this work could be incorporated into integrated pest management programme of eggplant fruit and shoot borer. Therefore, Emamectin Benzoate was observed to be the best and hence recommended treatment based on parameters measured.
Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, Dec 14, 2010
The oleoresins extracted from the seeds of alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta and ginger, Zing... more The oleoresins extracted from the seeds of alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta and ginger, Zingiber officinale rhizome using methanol, was evaluated for bioactivity against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais in the laboratory. Using a 4-arm olfactometer, solutions of the oleoresins at a concentration of 1 mg/ml exhibited significant olfactory repellent activity against male and female S. zeamais when tested alone, and in combination with maize seeds. These findings provide a scientific basis for the observed repellent properties of the oleoresins and demonstrate the need for their development in stored product pest protection in Africa where these plants are readily available.
Soil salinization is a major limiting factor to seed germination and seedling establishment, espe... more Soil salinization is a major limiting factor to seed germination and seedling establishment, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, we determined whether seed treatment with 24-epibrassinolide (BR) may promote germination in saline media. A growth chamber experiment was conducted to monitor soybean seed germination with BR1 (0.5 ml) or without BR0 (0.0 ml) at eleven concentrations of NaCl salinity (0.00-15.63 dSm-1). Sixty-six 10 cm diameter petri dishes were filled with 80 g of sterilized soil and moistened with 10 ml of the respective saline water, while deionized water without salt served as control. Germination indices were recorded for 10 days. The salt concentration range of 10.94-15.63 dSm-1 significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the final germination rate, germination average time, velocity of germination, germination rate, germination percentage and daily germination. These reductions were reasonably (P ≤ 0.05) reversed with BR application. The seeds tolerated salt stress up to 9.38 dSm −1 at BR0, but the germination potential was clearly enhanced by seed treatment with BR, especially in moderately saline culture.
Journal of applied biology and biotechnology, Jun 1, 2022
The deleterious effect of salinity and root-knot nematodes on sweet pepper is enormous. A screenh... more The deleterious effect of salinity and root-knot nematodes on sweet pepper is enormous. A screenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in alleviating adverse effects of salinity and M. incognita on sweet pepper. A 2 × 3 × 4 factorial experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The 24-treatment combinations were three mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae, Glomus deserticola, and Gigaspora gigantea), an uninoculated control, three salinity levels (0.16, 3.24, and 6.06 dS/m), and inoculation either with or without 5,000 eggs of M. incognita. The results showed that sweet pepper variety Tatase was highly susceptible to M. incognita infection with heavy galls on nonmycorrhizal plants. Nematode inoculation and salinity significantly (P ≤ 0.05) impaired growth, AMF root colonization, and dry matter production compared with the control plants. Increase in salinity level significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced root galling and egg mass production. AMF inoculation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced root galling and significantly enhanced growth and dry matter yield in the presence or absence of nematode infection at all salinity levels compared with the nonmycorrhizal plants. Among the AMF species, G. deserticola was the most efficient in ameliorating the injurious effects of salt and M. incognita.
Sunflower ( Helianthaus annuus L.) Seeds Germination in Saline Hydroculture
Journal of Plant Sciences, 2019
Salinity affects seed germination, many plant growth and yield traits. This study assessed seed r... more Salinity affects seed germination, many plant growth and yield traits. This study assessed seed response, quality, ability and phenetic relationship in three sunflower (Helianthaus annuus L.) varieties (SSL-803, SSL-807 and SSL-809) in eleven concentrations of NaCl + CaCl2 solutions (1:1 by weight). Electrical conductivity of the saline solutions ranged from 0.16 to 31.25 dS/m. The repeated factorial experiment (3x11) was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications in the screenhouse. Germination of 20 seeds per treatment was evaluated within five to ten days after culturing in filter-paper lined petri-dishes. Salinity above 15.63 dS/m significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited seed germination; three seeds of twenty (16.7%) of variety SSL-809 and eight seeds (41.7%) of SSL-807 germinated in 18.75 dS/m solution, and high salinity (18.75 to 31.25 dS/m) caused seed discolouration and shrivelling in SSL-809 and SSL-803 varieties. Cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis’ method) pa...
Comparative Effects of Different Nitrogen Sources From Organic Manure and Urea Fertilizer on Soil Chemical Properties, Nutrient Uptake, Growth and Yield of Amaranthus Cruentus
Background and Objective: There is limited research on the evaluation of genetic diversity in mai... more Background and Objective: There is limited research on the evaluation of genetic diversity in maize accessions in the humid tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria. There could be beneficial genes and traits of interest in the exiting IPGRI maize germplasm. The main objective of the present study was to assess the growth and yield traits performance of IPGRI maize accessions and estimate the variance components of these traits in the humid tropic agroecological zone of South-eastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and 11 treatments. Ikom white maize variety was used as the "checkʼ. Analysis of variance for mean data on growth and yield traits were conducted at 95% confidence limit and post-ANOVA mean separation was conducted using Duncanʼs New Multiple Range Test. Results: The genetic variability estimates of these maize genotypes revealed low Phenotypic Coefficient of Variability (PCV) with corresponding low Genotypic Coefficient of Variability (GCV) for some of the agronomic traits. Moderate (50.11%) to high (99.98%) broad sense heritability (H b ) range was observed for all the traits, except number of leaves per plant, stem width, leaf area, leaf area index and anthesis-silking interval. Seedling emergence, plant height, number of cobs per plant, cob length, cob width, 1000-grain weight and grain yield recorded high (>25%) to very high (>95%) genetic advance estimate at 5% selection intensity. TZm-299 (4.521 t haG 1 ) and TZm-378 (3.766 t haG 1 ) produced the highest grain yields and were apparently superior to other accessions in their growth and yield potentials. Conclusion: The establishment, growth and yield of IPGRI maize accessions with African origins were not hindered in Calabar. Four of the IPGRI maize accessions, TZm-299, TZm-109, TZm-1553 and TZm-378, in various growth and yield traits, outperformed Ikom white.
Laboratory study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of hymenopteran parasitoids, (Dinarm... more Laboratory study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of hymenopteran parasitoids, (Dinarmus basalis and Choetospila elegans) parasitization of Callosobruchus maculatus on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata
Environmental pollution by petroleum is an increasing global problem with phytoremediation being ... more Environmental pollution by petroleum is an increasing global problem with phytoremediation being one of the viable tools for cleansing crude oil polluted soil. The aim of this study was to ascertain the remediating effect of Piper guineense and Azadirachta indica on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on the leaves of deliberately crude oil polluted germinating Telfairia occidentalis. Vessel I contains growing plant and water only, vessel II contains growing plant + crude oil only, vessel III, IV and V had growing plant+crude oil + 100g of Azadirachta indica, 77g of P. guineense and 100g of Azadirachta indica +77g of P. guineense leaves respectively. After 8weeks of plant growth, the levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the plants were determined using gas chromatography. The result indicates that naphthalene levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in plants grown on vessels with 77 g P. guineense (4.2 ± 0.003 µg/Kg) and 77 g P. guineense + 100 g A. indica (4.2 ± 0.007 µg/Kg) compared to the crude oil only vessel (2.1 ± 0.003 µg/Kg). Phenanthrene levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in plants grown on vessels with 100 g A. indica (1.7 ± 0.002 µg/Kg) compared to levels in crude oil only grown plants (2.2 ± 0.003 µg/Kg). Acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in plants grown in vessels III,IV and V compared to the crude oil only vessel. Also, dibenzo(a,b)anthracene and indenol(1,2,3cd)pyrene levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in plants grown on vessels remediated with 100 g A. indica and 77 g P. guineense + 100 g A. indica when compared with plants grown in crude oil only vessel. Therefore, it could be concluded that P. guineense and A. indica leaves could be good for phytoremediation of phenanthrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, dibenzo(a,b)anthracene and indeno(1,2,3cd)pyrene.
Effect of application of inorganic fertilizer and poultry manure on insect pests and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in the rain forest zone of Nigeria
Field experiment was conducted during the 2002 and 2003 late cropping seasons to assess the effec... more Field experiment was conducted during the 2002 and 2003 late cropping seasons to assess the effects of application of inorganic fertilizer (NPK, 10:20:20) and poultry manure (PM) on insect pest population and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in the rain forest zone of Nigeria. NPK and PM were applied at three levels: NPK at 0, 0.025 and 0.05 t ha -1 and PM at 0, 5 and 10 t ha -1 . The results indicated that both NPK and PM significantly (P≤0.05) affected the plant height, number of pods per plant, grain yield and insect population density. Plant height ranged from 30.50 to 30.66 cm in the control to 37.00–57.19 cm in the fertilised plots and was highest when 10 t ha -1 of PM was combined with 0.05 t ha -1 of NPK. The prevalent insect pests were the defoliators Podagrica sp., Conocephalus conocephalus, Chnootriba similes, Lagria vilosa (F.), Zonocerus variegatus (L.), Medythia quaterna (F.), the pod borers Aspavia armigera (F.), Nezara viridula (L.), Leptoglosus sp., Piezodolus sp. and the flower feeders Paederus sabeaus (ER) and Coptosoma spp. Insect population density was higher in the fertilized plots (3.21– 6.29/2.25 m 2 ). The highest insect population was obtained at 0.05 t ha -1 NPK and 10 t ha -1 PM. The number of pods/plant and grain yields (t ha -1 ) were significantly affected by application of NPK and PM. These ranged from 37.23 to 51.33 pods/plant and from 0.75 to 1.73 t ha -1 grain yield for the treated crops while the control plots had 33.43 and 34.27 pods/plant and 0.46 and 0.51 t ha -1 grain yield for 2002 and 2003 respectively. The interaction effects were also significant (P≤0.05). The highest grain yield was observed when 0.05 t ha -1 NPK was combined with 5 t ha -1 of PM. Although insect population density increased with increase in the rates of either of the fertilizers or a combination of both, soybean plant was able to tolerate the effect of the insect pests on it, hence the observed significant higher yield than in the control. The significance of PM and inorganic fertilizer in enhancing soil fertility vis-a-viz insect pest control was evidenced in this study. Since PM is environmentally friendly and easy to handle with little or no health hazards compared to inorganic fertilizer, farmers should be encouraged to adopt its use either solely or in combination with the latter.
Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Univer... more Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of integration of Fitsextra® (a solution containing Atrazine and Metolachlor herbicides as active ingredients), egusi melon and hand-weeding on weed management and tuber yield of cassava. The twelve treatments which involved individual and combinations of the above mentioned weed control methods were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Irrespective of the method adopted, weeding depressed weed density by 57.33 % and 63.99 % in 2012 and 2013, respectively and weed biomass by 81.00 % and 79.64 % within the same period compared with the unweeded check. Integration of Fitsextra with egusi melon and/or hand-weeding significantly (P<0.05) suppressed weeds more than the sole use of Fitsextra® or egusi melon. Integration of hand-weeding with Fitsextra and/or egusi melon reduced we...
Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal and deterrent properties of pepper... more Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal and deterrent properties of pepper fruits (Dennetia tripetala) and ginger (Zangiber officinale) against maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. One hundred grams of maize were weighed into 500ml kilner jar and treated with 0%, 1%, 5 % and 10 % powders each of D. tripetala and Z. officinale on weight by weight (w/w) basis. The experiments were laid out in a 4x4 factorial combinations and arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated four times. The results showed significant (P<0.05) percentage mean adult mortality of 13.34, 15.34 and 16.33 post treatment with D. tripetala and 11.33, 14.33 and 18.7 post treatment with Z. officinale at 10 % after 24, 48 and 72h respectively over other levels. The percentage adult mortality at 5 % was significantly (P<0.05) higher after 72 hours post exposure than at 1 % and the control. Significantly (P<0.05) higher percentage adult mortality was also observed in the 10 %...
Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Univer... more Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of integration of Fitsextra® (a solution containing Atrazine and Metolachlor herbicides as active ingredients), egusi melon and hand-weeding on weed management and tuber yield of cassava. The twelve treatments which involved individual and combinations of the above mentioned weed control methods were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Irrespective of the method adopted, weeding depressed weed density by 57.33 % and 63.99 % in 2012 and 2013, respectively and weed biomass by 81.00 % and 79.64 % within the same period compared with the unweeded check. Integration of Fitsextra with egusi melon and/or hand-weeding significantly (P<0.05) suppressed weeds more than the sole use of Fitsextra® or egusi melon. Integration of hand-weeding with Fitsextra and/or egusi melon reduced we...
The oleoresins extracted from the seeds of alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta and ginger, Zing... more The oleoresins extracted from the seeds of alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta and ginger, Zingiber officinale rhizome using methanol, was evaluated for bioactivity against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais in the laboratory. Using a 4-arm olfactometer, solutions of the ...
Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences, May 13, 2023
An Experiment was conducted from December, 2021 to April, 2022 in an open field of the Teaching a... more An Experiment was conducted from December, 2021 to April, 2022 in an open field of the Teaching and Research Farm of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campused to evaluate the efficacy of botanical insecticides in the control of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) Leucinodes orbonalis Guenne), Four week-old eggplant seedlings (ARJANI FI) were transplanted to bags filled with 30kg top soil, each. There were nine insecticide treatments (T 0 = Control (No insecticide), T 1 = Scent leaf extract (SLE 10% w/v), T 2 = Pawpaw leaf extract (PLE 10% w/v), T 3 = Neem leaf extract (NLE 5% w/v), T 4 = Neem oil (N.O 3% v/v), T 5 = Neem oil (N.O 5% v/v), T 6 = Garlic bulb extract (GBE 3% v/v), T 7 = Emamectin Benzoate (EB 1.33g/L) and T 8 = Neemsol (0.2% v/v). Plants were sprayed three times: four weeks after transplanting (4WAT), 6WAT and 8WAT. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared at 5% probability level using Student-Newman-Keuls Test. The results obtained showed that the insecticide treated plants significantly (P< 0.05) had lower percentage of fruit and shoot infestation by EFSB relative to the untreated plants. The unsprayed plant significantly (P< 0.05) had the highest percentage of Fruit infestation by both number and weight basis. Fruits from the untreated plants had significantly (P< 0.05) more number of bored holes and larvae than the insecticide treated plants. Among the insecticide treatments, EB and N.O 5% had plants with significantly lower shoot infestation (10.42 and 12.50%), fruit infestation by weight (17.07 and 25.60%), number of larvae/fruit (0.33 and 1.00), respectively. The botanicals tested in this work could be incorporated into integrated pest management programme of eggplant fruit and shoot borer. Therefore, Emamectin Benzoate was observed to be the best and hence recommended treatment based on parameters measured.
Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, Dec 14, 2010
The oleoresins extracted from the seeds of alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta and ginger, Zing... more The oleoresins extracted from the seeds of alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta and ginger, Zingiber officinale rhizome using methanol, was evaluated for bioactivity against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais in the laboratory. Using a 4-arm olfactometer, solutions of the oleoresins at a concentration of 1 mg/ml exhibited significant olfactory repellent activity against male and female S. zeamais when tested alone, and in combination with maize seeds. These findings provide a scientific basis for the observed repellent properties of the oleoresins and demonstrate the need for their development in stored product pest protection in Africa where these plants are readily available.
Soil salinization is a major limiting factor to seed germination and seedling establishment, espe... more Soil salinization is a major limiting factor to seed germination and seedling establishment, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, we determined whether seed treatment with 24-epibrassinolide (BR) may promote germination in saline media. A growth chamber experiment was conducted to monitor soybean seed germination with BR1 (0.5 ml) or without BR0 (0.0 ml) at eleven concentrations of NaCl salinity (0.00-15.63 dSm-1). Sixty-six 10 cm diameter petri dishes were filled with 80 g of sterilized soil and moistened with 10 ml of the respective saline water, while deionized water without salt served as control. Germination indices were recorded for 10 days. The salt concentration range of 10.94-15.63 dSm-1 significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the final germination rate, germination average time, velocity of germination, germination rate, germination percentage and daily germination. These reductions were reasonably (P ≤ 0.05) reversed with BR application. The seeds tolerated salt stress up to 9.38 dSm −1 at BR0, but the germination potential was clearly enhanced by seed treatment with BR, especially in moderately saline culture.
Journal of applied biology and biotechnology, Jun 1, 2022
The deleterious effect of salinity and root-knot nematodes on sweet pepper is enormous. A screenh... more The deleterious effect of salinity and root-knot nematodes on sweet pepper is enormous. A screenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in alleviating adverse effects of salinity and M. incognita on sweet pepper. A 2 × 3 × 4 factorial experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The 24-treatment combinations were three mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae, Glomus deserticola, and Gigaspora gigantea), an uninoculated control, three salinity levels (0.16, 3.24, and 6.06 dS/m), and inoculation either with or without 5,000 eggs of M. incognita. The results showed that sweet pepper variety Tatase was highly susceptible to M. incognita infection with heavy galls on nonmycorrhizal plants. Nematode inoculation and salinity significantly (P ≤ 0.05) impaired growth, AMF root colonization, and dry matter production compared with the control plants. Increase in salinity level significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced root galling and egg mass production. AMF inoculation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced root galling and significantly enhanced growth and dry matter yield in the presence or absence of nematode infection at all salinity levels compared with the nonmycorrhizal plants. Among the AMF species, G. deserticola was the most efficient in ameliorating the injurious effects of salt and M. incognita.
Sunflower ( Helianthaus annuus L.) Seeds Germination in Saline Hydroculture
Journal of Plant Sciences, 2019
Salinity affects seed germination, many plant growth and yield traits. This study assessed seed r... more Salinity affects seed germination, many plant growth and yield traits. This study assessed seed response, quality, ability and phenetic relationship in three sunflower (Helianthaus annuus L.) varieties (SSL-803, SSL-807 and SSL-809) in eleven concentrations of NaCl + CaCl2 solutions (1:1 by weight). Electrical conductivity of the saline solutions ranged from 0.16 to 31.25 dS/m. The repeated factorial experiment (3x11) was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications in the screenhouse. Germination of 20 seeds per treatment was evaluated within five to ten days after culturing in filter-paper lined petri-dishes. Salinity above 15.63 dS/m significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited seed germination; three seeds of twenty (16.7%) of variety SSL-809 and eight seeds (41.7%) of SSL-807 germinated in 18.75 dS/m solution, and high salinity (18.75 to 31.25 dS/m) caused seed discolouration and shrivelling in SSL-809 and SSL-803 varieties. Cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis’ method) pa...
Comparative Effects of Different Nitrogen Sources From Organic Manure and Urea Fertilizer on Soil Chemical Properties, Nutrient Uptake, Growth and Yield of Amaranthus Cruentus
Background and Objective: There is limited research on the evaluation of genetic diversity in mai... more Background and Objective: There is limited research on the evaluation of genetic diversity in maize accessions in the humid tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria. There could be beneficial genes and traits of interest in the exiting IPGRI maize germplasm. The main objective of the present study was to assess the growth and yield traits performance of IPGRI maize accessions and estimate the variance components of these traits in the humid tropic agroecological zone of South-eastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and 11 treatments. Ikom white maize variety was used as the "checkʼ. Analysis of variance for mean data on growth and yield traits were conducted at 95% confidence limit and post-ANOVA mean separation was conducted using Duncanʼs New Multiple Range Test. Results: The genetic variability estimates of these maize genotypes revealed low Phenotypic Coefficient of Variability (PCV) with corresponding low Genotypic Coefficient of Variability (GCV) for some of the agronomic traits. Moderate (50.11%) to high (99.98%) broad sense heritability (H b ) range was observed for all the traits, except number of leaves per plant, stem width, leaf area, leaf area index and anthesis-silking interval. Seedling emergence, plant height, number of cobs per plant, cob length, cob width, 1000-grain weight and grain yield recorded high (>25%) to very high (>95%) genetic advance estimate at 5% selection intensity. TZm-299 (4.521 t haG 1 ) and TZm-378 (3.766 t haG 1 ) produced the highest grain yields and were apparently superior to other accessions in their growth and yield potentials. Conclusion: The establishment, growth and yield of IPGRI maize accessions with African origins were not hindered in Calabar. Four of the IPGRI maize accessions, TZm-299, TZm-109, TZm-1553 and TZm-378, in various growth and yield traits, outperformed Ikom white.
Laboratory study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of hymenopteran parasitoids, (Dinarm... more Laboratory study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of hymenopteran parasitoids, (Dinarmus basalis and Choetospila elegans) parasitization of Callosobruchus maculatus on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata
Environmental pollution by petroleum is an increasing global problem with phytoremediation being ... more Environmental pollution by petroleum is an increasing global problem with phytoremediation being one of the viable tools for cleansing crude oil polluted soil. The aim of this study was to ascertain the remediating effect of Piper guineense and Azadirachta indica on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on the leaves of deliberately crude oil polluted germinating Telfairia occidentalis. Vessel I contains growing plant and water only, vessel II contains growing plant + crude oil only, vessel III, IV and V had growing plant+crude oil + 100g of Azadirachta indica, 77g of P. guineense and 100g of Azadirachta indica +77g of P. guineense leaves respectively. After 8weeks of plant growth, the levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the plants were determined using gas chromatography. The result indicates that naphthalene levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in plants grown on vessels with 77 g P. guineense (4.2 ± 0.003 µg/Kg) and 77 g P. guineense + 100 g A. indica (4.2 ± 0.007 µg/Kg) compared to the crude oil only vessel (2.1 ± 0.003 µg/Kg). Phenanthrene levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in plants grown on vessels with 100 g A. indica (1.7 ± 0.002 µg/Kg) compared to levels in crude oil only grown plants (2.2 ± 0.003 µg/Kg). Acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in plants grown in vessels III,IV and V compared to the crude oil only vessel. Also, dibenzo(a,b)anthracene and indenol(1,2,3cd)pyrene levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in plants grown on vessels remediated with 100 g A. indica and 77 g P. guineense + 100 g A. indica when compared with plants grown in crude oil only vessel. Therefore, it could be concluded that P. guineense and A. indica leaves could be good for phytoremediation of phenanthrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, dibenzo(a,b)anthracene and indeno(1,2,3cd)pyrene.
Effect of application of inorganic fertilizer and poultry manure on insect pests and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in the rain forest zone of Nigeria
Field experiment was conducted during the 2002 and 2003 late cropping seasons to assess the effec... more Field experiment was conducted during the 2002 and 2003 late cropping seasons to assess the effects of application of inorganic fertilizer (NPK, 10:20:20) and poultry manure (PM) on insect pest population and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in the rain forest zone of Nigeria. NPK and PM were applied at three levels: NPK at 0, 0.025 and 0.05 t ha -1 and PM at 0, 5 and 10 t ha -1 . The results indicated that both NPK and PM significantly (P≤0.05) affected the plant height, number of pods per plant, grain yield and insect population density. Plant height ranged from 30.50 to 30.66 cm in the control to 37.00–57.19 cm in the fertilised plots and was highest when 10 t ha -1 of PM was combined with 0.05 t ha -1 of NPK. The prevalent insect pests were the defoliators Podagrica sp., Conocephalus conocephalus, Chnootriba similes, Lagria vilosa (F.), Zonocerus variegatus (L.), Medythia quaterna (F.), the pod borers Aspavia armigera (F.), Nezara viridula (L.), Leptoglosus sp., Piezodolus sp. and the flower feeders Paederus sabeaus (ER) and Coptosoma spp. Insect population density was higher in the fertilized plots (3.21– 6.29/2.25 m 2 ). The highest insect population was obtained at 0.05 t ha -1 NPK and 10 t ha -1 PM. The number of pods/plant and grain yields (t ha -1 ) were significantly affected by application of NPK and PM. These ranged from 37.23 to 51.33 pods/plant and from 0.75 to 1.73 t ha -1 grain yield for the treated crops while the control plots had 33.43 and 34.27 pods/plant and 0.46 and 0.51 t ha -1 grain yield for 2002 and 2003 respectively. The interaction effects were also significant (P≤0.05). The highest grain yield was observed when 0.05 t ha -1 NPK was combined with 5 t ha -1 of PM. Although insect population density increased with increase in the rates of either of the fertilizers or a combination of both, soybean plant was able to tolerate the effect of the insect pests on it, hence the observed significant higher yield than in the control. The significance of PM and inorganic fertilizer in enhancing soil fertility vis-a-viz insect pest control was evidenced in this study. Since PM is environmentally friendly and easy to handle with little or no health hazards compared to inorganic fertilizer, farmers should be encouraged to adopt its use either solely or in combination with the latter.
Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Univer... more Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of integration of Fitsextra® (a solution containing Atrazine and Metolachlor herbicides as active ingredients), egusi melon and hand-weeding on weed management and tuber yield of cassava. The twelve treatments which involved individual and combinations of the above mentioned weed control methods were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Irrespective of the method adopted, weeding depressed weed density by 57.33 % and 63.99 % in 2012 and 2013, respectively and weed biomass by 81.00 % and 79.64 % within the same period compared with the unweeded check. Integration of Fitsextra with egusi melon and/or hand-weeding significantly (P<0.05) suppressed weeds more than the sole use of Fitsextra® or egusi melon. Integration of hand-weeding with Fitsextra and/or egusi melon reduced we...
Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal and deterrent properties of pepper... more Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal and deterrent properties of pepper fruits (Dennetia tripetala) and ginger (Zangiber officinale) against maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. One hundred grams of maize were weighed into 500ml kilner jar and treated with 0%, 1%, 5 % and 10 % powders each of D. tripetala and Z. officinale on weight by weight (w/w) basis. The experiments were laid out in a 4x4 factorial combinations and arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated four times. The results showed significant (P<0.05) percentage mean adult mortality of 13.34, 15.34 and 16.33 post treatment with D. tripetala and 11.33, 14.33 and 18.7 post treatment with Z. officinale at 10 % after 24, 48 and 72h respectively over other levels. The percentage adult mortality at 5 % was significantly (P<0.05) higher after 72 hours post exposure than at 1 % and the control. Significantly (P<0.05) higher percentage adult mortality was also observed in the 10 %...
Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Univer... more Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of integration of Fitsextra® (a solution containing Atrazine and Metolachlor herbicides as active ingredients), egusi melon and hand-weeding on weed management and tuber yield of cassava. The twelve treatments which involved individual and combinations of the above mentioned weed control methods were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Irrespective of the method adopted, weeding depressed weed density by 57.33 % and 63.99 % in 2012 and 2013, respectively and weed biomass by 81.00 % and 79.64 % within the same period compared with the unweeded check. Integration of Fitsextra with egusi melon and/or hand-weeding significantly (P<0.05) suppressed weeds more than the sole use of Fitsextra® or egusi melon. Integration of hand-weeding with Fitsextra and/or egusi melon reduced we...
The oleoresins extracted from the seeds of alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta and ginger, Zing... more The oleoresins extracted from the seeds of alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta and ginger, Zingiber officinale rhizome using methanol, was evaluated for bioactivity against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais in the laboratory. Using a 4-arm olfactometer, solutions of the ...
Background and Objective: The search for more affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainabl... more Background and Objective: The search for more affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches in managing our rapidly declining soils for increased crop yield is inevitable. This study evaluated the growth and yield responses of two groundnut varieties to inoculation with two species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Materials and Methods: Field experiments were carried out at the University of Calabar Teaching and Research Farm. These experiments were dispersed in a 2x3 factorial disposition and arranged in a randomized complete blocked design (RCBD) with three replications. Two groundnut varieties (SAMNUT 21 and SAMNUT 22) were combined with two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species; Glomus clarum and Gigaspora gigantea and an un-inoculated control. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using a two way analysis of variance and significant means were compared using Fisher's least significant difference (FLSD) at 5% probability level. Results: Data analysis showed that inaculation of the groundnut varieties with AME significantly (p<0) increased number of pods/plant, pod yield, seed yield and 100-seed weight. The highest enhancements in yield attributes were obtained when variety SAMNUT 21 was inoculated with Glomus clarum while & gigantea inoculation enhanced the growth attributes of SAMNUT 22. Conclusion: Thus G clarum was more effective in yield enhancement in SAMNUT 21 variety compared to G. gigantea which enhanced growth in SAMNUT 22. This technology could be incorporated into groundnut cropping systems by resource poor farmers in Calabar for yield improvement.
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